I hope this letter finds you in good health and steady spirits. Today, I wish to share a few reflections on something profoundly simple yet compelling—Satya, Authenticity/ Truth./

We live in a world where illusion and deception have become the norm. Advertisements promise happiness, social media portrays perfection, and diplomacy often favours politeness over honesty. Yet, amid this carefully woven web of half-truths, Satya's unfiltered truth remains— the only anchor.

It is essential to understand that politeness is not the same as truth. We often hesitate to speak honestly because we fear hurting someone or being judged. So, we coat our words with excessive politeness, thinking we are being kind. But isn’t this just another form of deception? Instead of offering genuine support, we offer comfort laced with falsehood. When expressed with compassion, the truth is far more valuable than a thousand sweet lies. And remember, compassion is not the same as ‘being nice.’

Truth is very efficient. When we choose to be truthful, our minds remain unburdened. When we tell a lie, even a small one, we must create more lies to cover it, and soon, we find ourselves entangled in a complex web of deceit. This is why I firmly believe lies are like Potato chips: You cannot stop with just one. 

A truthful life is not only morally sound but also easier. Truth liberates us from unnecessary complications, whereas falsehood demands endless effort to sustain its illusion.

I encourage you to always choose what is right over what is easy. The world may tempt you with shortcuts, telling you that convenience is king. But in the long run, integrity builds true strength. The path of truth is not always smooth—it may cost you relationships, opportunities, and sometimes even comfort. But what you gain in return is something far more significant—a life of clarity, dignity, and inner peace.

Truth should not be harsh; it should be compassionate. There is a difference between being truthful and being reckless with honesty. A truth spoken with love heals, while a truth spoken with arrogance wounds. Let your words be a reflection of both wisdom and kindness.

Reflect on your daily actions and ask yourself: Am I being truthful? Am I living in alignment with my values? Am I choosing what is right over what is convenient? When asked sincerely, these simple questions will guide you toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.

My dear friends, Satya is not just a principle but also a way of being. It is the foundation of all meaningful relationships, the core of personal growth, and the essence of spiritual evolution. Live by it, speak with it, and let it illuminate your path.

As always, our newsletter contains a lot of fantastic material. Take time to read it and enjoy it at your leisure! We try our best to serve you through our dedicated team of teachers and staff worldwide!

Happy Full Moon in Leo!

Namaste!

Dr Kausthub Desikachar, M.Sc, M.M.S, PhD

The Viniyoga Tradition

_{Viniyoga and the NHS, UK!}

Interview with Mr. Fred Burnham, United Kingdom.

Fred, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with the NHS since 1997, has combined his deep-rooted medical expertise with the transformative power of Viniyoga. After years in emergency medicine, burnout led him to general practice, where he discovered yoga’s profound impact on well-being.

Fred has reshaped his approach to patient care through a dedicated daily practice, emphasizing self-awareness, resilience, and holistic healing. Passionate about integrating ancient wisdom into modern healthcare, he now uses yoga therapy to support those with chronic pain, anxiety, and other conditions.

Committed to empowering individuals, Fred has pioneered NHS-backed yoga sessions, advocating for a more patient-centered, mindful approach to health. His journey highlights the importance of dharma, letting go, and finding the right teacher to guide personal and professional transformation.

Contact information: [email protected]

Q) Daily yoga practice seems central to your life. How has it influenced your well-being and interactions with patients?

I have been practising daily āsana for a few years now and have noticed profound changes. One of the first transformations was a sense of time slowing down—or rather, a greater awareness of space. I move through my day more calmly and clearly, feeling less rushed and more present. This has positively impacted my patient consultations, allowing me to listen more intently, pick up on subtle cues, and better understand what is being expressed beyond words.

Regular practice has also strengthened my ability to hold space for patients, giving them the room to express their concerns openly. Previously, I unknowingly disconnected from my emotions as a coping mechanism, which led to fatigue and a tendency to focus on negative experiences. Now, I feel more balanced, with greater energy, resilience, and confidence in my work.

Daily practice has become essential—not just for well-being but as a way to let go of control and surrender to a higher power. As my teacher wisely says: “The plan is perfect; it is just not my plan.”

Q) How do you incorporate yoga into your medical practice? Have you encountered resistance?

Yoga therapy is generally well-received in healthcare. In Family Medicine, many patients don’t require medication or specialist referrals but rather a compassionate space to express their concerns. However, unmanaged stress and psychosocial challenges often lead to dilemmas. Either patients feel abandoned when told nothing more can be done, or they become dependent on unnecessary treatments. This can lead to overprescription, inappropriate referrals, and frustration for both patients and clinicians.

Yoga offers a self-empowering approach, helping patients take an active role in their well-being. It aligns with Family Medicine’s focus on healthy lifestyles, including stress management, movement, and emotional well-being. While some patients resist—particularly those seeking certain medications or struggling to accept necessary changes—most are open to exploring it.

Medical colleagues have been supportive, recognizing yoga’s value as a primary or complementary therapy. Patients are often surprised to be offered yoga through the NHS, given its limited availability despite strong evidence of its benefits. Those who continue practising report improvements in pain, mobility, sleep, mood, and resilience—even if their symptoms persist. One retired nurse with severe arthritis, for example, found relief through gentle practice and mantra chanting, helping her accept and manage her condition more effectively.

On reflection, the positive outcomes shouldn’t be surprising, given the profound benefits yoga has provided in my own life.

Q)You’ve expressed frustration with Western medicine’s paternalistic approach. What changes do you think are needed?

A greater emphasis on trained yoga therapists and less reliance on medication could significantly improve healthcare outcomes. Early health education, particularly in schools, could play a crucial role—teaching children about stress management, healthy living, and mindful habits from a young age would foster resilience and well-being in society.

Beyond physical health, many individuals struggle with a lack of purpose or connection, which can lead to low self-worth and disconnection from themselves and their communities. While medicine does not traditionally address these aspects, the impact of spiritual disconnection is often overlooked.

Integrating the Pañcamaya model into healthcare training—alongside biomedical approaches—could offer a more holistic perspective on well-being. This understanding would better equip healthcare professionals to support patients in a truly comprehensive way.

Q)Introducing free Viniyoga sessions within the NHS is a remarkable achievement. What inspired you to pursue this initiative, and how do you see it helping both staff and patients? What are your hopes for the future of this program?

I am deeply passionate about Viniyoga because I believe it can truly benefit those open to its teachings. Personally, it has profoundly impacted my growth and well-being, and I continue to learn under the guidance of my teacher. My wife, Kimberley Burnham, introduced me to this tradition—she has been a dedicated Viniyoga student for years and is now a trainee Occupational Therapist with the NHS. She has been a constant source of support, grounding me with her insight and wisdom. She also played a key role in making these classes possible, connecting us with the venue and helping behind the scenes, though she prefers to stay in the background when credit is given.

Another important figure is Vidhi Sadhana, a seasoned Viniyoga therapist and student of Kaustubha Desikachar. She provided valuable guidance and research when I was pitching the idea to the Primary Care Network, giving me the confidence to move forward. I couldn’t have done this without these two incredible women.

The response to the classes has been very positive. I run separate sessions for patients and NHS staff, and many are surprised by the focus on breathwork and how peaceful they feel afterward—very different from their previous yoga experiences. My hope is to encourage regular practice, fostering personal and spiritual growth. Ideally, I’d love to see this project expand to more healthcare settings, giving NHS workers and patients broader access to Viniyoga. A national rollout would be incredible, but it would require more trained teachers and therapists. There’s still a long way to go, but every journey begins with a single step.

Q) Given that your passion for health and well-being runs in your family, with ancestors who also served as healers, how do you perceive this connection?

I never fully appreciated this concept until now—perhaps it’s more obvious to an outside observer. I do what I do simply because it feels right. I loved listening to my mother’s nursing stories, amused by her experiences and how healthcare was back then. Maybe that subconsciously influenced my path, but my family never actively encouraged me to go into healthcare. I wouldn’t push my children into this profession either—if it’s their calling, they’ll answer. I trust that. 

I have often wanted to leave nursing. It’s a tough job, and the NHS faces constant challenges.

Q) You’ve experienced burnout in the medical field. How did you recover and find a new path?

After years of poor work-life balance and extreme pressures in a fast-paced, under-resourced Emergency Department, I convinced myself I was coping. In reality, I wasn’t. I pushed myself physically through intense training, triathlons, and strict routines, but neglected my well-being. This took a toll on my personal life, eventually leading to burnout.

I reached a breaking point and had to step back. With support from family, friends, and colleagues, I sought professional help, underwent therapy, and gradually rebuilt myself. Talking openly about my struggles helped, as did reading Reasons to Live by Matt Haig, a book I still recommend to patients.

I also reconnected with music, picked up the guitar again, and changed my work-life balance by moving to Family Medicine with manageable hours. This allowed me to be more present for my children.

Yoga became a turning point. Attending classes at a local center, I was surprised by how at peace I felt. My journey led me to study yoga's deeper aspects beyond physical movement, eventually training under Kaustubha, my wife’s teacher, for more spiritual guidance. Looking back, I see these challenges as part of my path-breaking down to rebuild, and I am grateful for those who supported me along the way.

Q) How has yoga changed your mindset about victimhood and personal responsibility?

My understanding has been shaped by experiencing the Victim/Saviour cycle. Through Yoga, I became aware of being stuck in this pattern, afraid to step out of my comfort zone. Yoga gave me the tools to break these cycles and let go of fear. What I once saw as mistakes, I now see as lessons—ones that repeat until learned. I notice this with patients who return with the same struggles, often unable to see the cycle they are in.

Yoga has transformed my mindset and outlook. It has given me space for introspection and self-awareness, leading to meaningful changes in my life. I adopted a plant-based diet over five years ago as I became more conscious of my impact on the world. More recently, I stopped drinking alcohol, recognizing the harm it caused to my health, resilience, and relationships. Yoga also made me aware of my patterns of overthinking—how it distracted me from the present moment. I’ve learned to gently detach from these thoughts, whether on the mat or in daily life, and return to the now.

One of the most profound shifts has been rediscovering a belief in the Divine—something I had lost in childhood. While I do not impose my beliefs on others, I now feel more open to discussing faith and spirituality with those who are willing.

With the tools of a daily Yoga practice, self-awareness, an open mind, and the guidance of a good teacher, I have learned to let go of worries and trust in the process. Instead of overthinking, I focus on being present and simply feeling what is happening in the here and now.

Q) Finally, if you could share one piece of advice, what would it be? And to whom would you address it?

To anyone curious - Practice Yoga daily with an Appropriate teacher!

Fred’s insights into integrating yoga with healthcare are truly inspiring. His commitment to daily practice has transformed his well-being and reshaped how he engages with his patients, emphasizing a more compassionate and holistic approach to care. From overcoming burnout to pioneering NHS-supported yoga programs, Fred’s journey underscores the profound impact of yoga on both physical and mental health.

We thank him for sharing his wisdom and wish him continued growth and success in his mission to empower others through the healing power of yoga.

Contributions of Srī TKV Desikachar | 02

Translating a genius!

Śrī TKV Desikachar is regarded the world over as one of the most important Yoga Masters of the modern era. His extraordinary contributions to the Yoga field have touched the hearts of millions of people worldwide. We explore some of his most profound contributions through a series of videos.

This second video describes how he was the translating the genius of his legendary father, Śrī T Krishnamacharya!

His Master’s Voice | Patañjali's Yogasūtra

Audio blog by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar

Yogasūtra II.7 - sukha-anuśayī rāgaḥ

Excessive desire is clinging to [a remembered or anticipated] pleasure.

When an object provides us with a moment of happiness, this can create a desire to repeat the experience, with an expectation of a similar consequence, and this often results in excessive or inappropriate desire (Rāga). It is a source of affliction because the same results may not manifest the next time we experience a similar situation.

Listen to an audio explaining this aphorism:» Click the Play button below!

Yoga and the Art of Not Being a Jerk

Applying the Yamas and Niyamas in Modern Life

An article by Dr Kausthub Desikachar, Ph D

Yoga is often celebrated for its physical benefits – flexibility, strength, balance – but at its heart, Yoga is a complete philosophy for living a fulfilling and ethical life. The ethical foundation of Yoga encapsulated in the Yama-s (moral restraints) and Niyama-s (positive observances) offers timeless wisdom to help us navigate life's complexities. These principles, laid out in Patañjali's Yogasūtras, are more than abstract ideas; they are practical tools for cultivating balance, integrity, and kindness in our daily lives.

Applying these principles in today's fast-paced, ever-changing world can provide much-needed grounding and a better quality of living. Let's explore each Yama and Niyama and see how they can enrich our lives.

I will also offer some reflective journaling exercises to help you integrate these ethics into your routine.

The Yamas: Restraints for Harmonious Living

The Yamas are ethical guidelines that focus on our interactions with others and the world around us. They encourage us to act with compassion, integrity, and mindfulness.

1) Ahimsā (Nonviolence)

Ahimsā means nonviolence in thought, word, and action. It isn't just about avoiding physical harm and cultivating kindness toward ourselves, others, and the environment.

Here are some examples of how you can practise Ahimsā: Notice self-critical thoughts and replace them with compassionate ones. When you feel frustrated with someone, take a deep breath and respond with kindness instead of anger. Offer water to plants and animals that need these.

Journaling Exercise: Reflect on a moment when you reacted with frustration or harshness. What triggered that response? How could you respond with more compassion next time? Write a few sentences on how you can show more kindness to yourself and others.

2) Satya (Authenticity)

Satya is about being truthful in all aspects of life—with yourself and with others. It's not just about telling the truth but living authentically. In the Yoga tradition, Satya is defined as aligning your deep feelings with your words and actions.

Here are some examples of how you can practise Satya: Notice when you are tempted to exaggerate, hide your feelings, or say "yes" when you mean "no." Pause and ask yourself if you're being honest. Observe if you are feeling something, but then do something different.

Journaling Exercise: Write about a time when you weren't completely honest. What was the motivation behind it? How did it make you feel? What consequences did it have on those who it affected? How can you commit to being more truthful and authentic in your relationships?

To read the full article, you may click below to download the PDF File>

VINIYOGA® THERAPY TRAINING

NEW BATCHES IN EUROPE IN 2025! ITALY & HUNGARY!

A profound transformation awaits you. Two exceptional Viniyoga Yoga Therapy trainings are about to begin in Italy and Hungary, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a holistic journey of healing and personal evolution.

Rooted in the classical teachings of Sri T. Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar, these programs will provide:
✅ A deep understanding of Viniyoga Therapy as a holistic health system
✅ Practical tools to support individual healing and well-being
✅ A multidimensional approach that considers the whole person, not just the symptoms
✅ A safe and supportive space for personal and professional growth

Whether you aspire to become a Yoga Therapist or wish to integrate these principles into your practice, this training will equip you with the knowledge and experience to guide others—and yourself—toward lasting transformation.

🔹 Led by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar
🔹 First-ever training of its kind in Italy

Don't miss this chance to embark on a life-changing journey! 🌿✨

For detailed information on the Italy batch, please click here>

For detailed information on the Hungary batch, please click here>

JOIN THE VINIYOGA INTERNATIONAL WHATSAPP GROUP!

Dr. Kausthub Desikachar, Viniyoga International, created and manages this independent group. The objective of this group is to share and promote Viniyoga globally. Only posts related to Viniyoga teachings will be shared here.

Only admins will be able to post in this group, and there will be weekly posts of high educational value.

If you want to include people to join this group, kindly use the link to invite them in.

Join by clicking here>